Rewi Spraggon (The Hāngi Master) holding a bottle of Laphroaig, Single Malt, aged 10yrs

Listen up whisky lovers, Laphroaig is hosting an exclusive event this month that you don’t want to miss

Words Margie Riddiford | 4 Oct 2023

Renowned for its rich Scottish heritage, Laphroaig whisky has long been the pour of choice for connoisseurs. Boasting distinctive, smoky notes and a recognisably peaty profile, Laphroaig’s strong, signature taste is set to serve as the inspiration for an upcoming event in which the distillery has teamed up with Kiwi culinary pioneer (The Hāngi Master) Rewi Spraggon, to create a night of exceptional food, paired perfectly with Laphroaig’s famous flavours.

Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire will take place on Saturday the 28th of October and will invite guests to Mechanics Bay for a stunning, coastal experience inspired by the beautiful Islay in Scotland where Laphroaig has been distilled for over 200 years. There, diners will be treated to an extensive menu of dishes that will be cooked on-site using the ancient Māori practice of hāngi (a tradition passed down through generations) where Spraggon will showcase his vast culinary talent, harnessing elements of earth, salt and fire to prepare some seriously spectacular food.

Left: Rewi Spraggon (The Hāngi Master) Right: Laphroaig, Single Malt, aged 10yrs

To start, a series of canapés will comprise locally sourced seafood, meat and produce, including Clevedon oysters, Laphroaig-smoked cream pāua, kingfish ceviche, buffalo wings, Laphroaig-smoked lamb rack and more. For mains, guests will be served dishes like beef cheek with pumpkin, pork belly with apple caramel, vegetable melange and char-grilled broccolini; and for dessert, dishes like honey mascarpone with a Laphroaig-infused steam pudding, and Kawakawa ice cream with lemon curd and smashed meringue will take centre stage. Of course, each course will be paired with Laphroaig drams, cocktails and guided tastings to help diners learn more about the history behind this iconic drop. (Laphroaig gift bags will also be given at the conclusion of the dinner.)

And while the underlying idea of the menu is to speak to Laphroaig’s distinctive flavour profile, Spraggon’s contribution is to give the famous whisky a decidedly Kiwi spin. In fact, the chef promises to create a universal and memorable experience that brings people together to learn more about not only Laphroaig and the years of tradition and craft behind it, but also, about the art of hāngi cooking, and the similarly impressive history of tradition that has been passed down to Spraggon from his ancestors.

“It’s such a privilege to partner with Laphroaig,” Spraggon says, “it’s been my favourite whisky for as long as I can remember and I can’t wait to take Kiwis on an adventure of flavour through our collaboration.”

Set to be a night where exceptional whisky, mouthwatering food and convivial company collide in a breathtaking setting, Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire is the exclusive event you really don’t want to miss this month.

Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire with Laphroaig and Rewi Spraggon will take place on Saturday the 28th of October from 6:30pm until 9:30pm at the Mechanics Bay Event Space. Tickets are $220 per person and can be purchased here.

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An ode to the power of personal relationships, Dadelszen’s recent campaign offers a romantic depiction of the brand’s sought-after men’s and womenswear

4 Oct 2023

There is a special, intimate quality about local luxury atelier Dadelszen’s collections that takes their appeal beyond cut, fabrication or finish alone. It is a romanticism, rooted in the idea of timelessness that is woven carefully through every collection. A Dadelszen wardrobe is transeasonal, bespoke, buildable and of a superior quality that makes each piece something to be cherished forever. So when it came time to conceptualise Dadelszen’s new campaign for its 2023 mens and womenswear, it was to the chic, creative couple of internationally-renowned fashion photographer Terence Connors and his Kiwi model wife (and longtime Dadelszen collaborator) Zippora Seven that the brand turned. It presented the perfect opportunity to create a campaign that not only spoke to Dadelszen’s sophisticated, international clientele, but to the underlying spirit of the brand and the ethos of its founders (also a husband-wife duo who have long worked together).

Left: Terence wears the Sera Nymphea Lamb Bomber Jacket and the Hopper Shirt. Zippora wears the Sailor Sweater Right: Zippora wears Goddess Cape

Trusting Connors with bringing this collection to life was hardly a difficult decision for Dadelszen, after all, the photographer had shot for publications like British Vogue and Vogue Australia, Porter and Elle magazines, brands like Jimmy Choo, Proenza Schouler, Helmut Lang and Luisa Vi Roma, and worked with the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid, Julia Garner, Sydney Sweeney and more. His photos are characterised by a beautiful, buttery, dream-like quality and the people he photographs always come across as relaxed, personable and real. In short, his work makes space for his subjects to shine, delivering exquisite frames that capture something uniquely raw and deeply connected.

“Connors has… captured the essence of Dadelszen, offering a personal story of connection, liveable luxury and love that mirrors the origins of the brand itself.”

In this Dadelszen campaign in particular, Connors has, via a series of sundrenched shots, captured the essence of Dadelszen, offering a personal story of connection, liveable luxury and love that mirrors the origins of the brand itself. Each frame draws you into the Dadelszen world where high-end fashion is meticulously designed for elevating the idea of everyday-wear, while a nostalgic, grainy film quality speaks to the brand’s beautiful tactility and penchant for understated sophistication and old-world glamour.

“Zippora worked with us on our very first campaign,” says Constance von Dadelszen, Creative Director of womenswear at Dadelszen. “And while we’ve all grown a lot since then, there’s a really lovely synergy between Zippy’s journey and ours.” She continues, “working with a real couple like Zippy and Terence, there’s an authenticity to the images that would otherwise be hard to achieve.”

Left: Zippora wears the Helena Tuxedo Jacket and the Silk Slip Dress Right: Terence wears the Cameron Jacket and the Cashmere Tee. Zippora wears the Roosevelt Jacket and the Quant Rollneck

Balancing soft, refined tailoring with richly-textured knitwear and leather, Dadelszen’s new collection comes alive in the relaxed romanticism and aspirational styling of its campaign. As the brand’s Founder, Edward von Dadelszen, articulates, “it’s a concise collection featuring perennial classics, with new iterations of silhouettes that Dadelszen has become renowned for — sumptuous shearling, beautiful soft leather, cashmere, outerwear and tailoring that one finds themselves reaching for again and again.”

Reiterating the ways in which this brand is one of the best in its field, both locally and internationally, Dadelszen’s new, seasonal campaign and collection not only exemplify the quality that has kept it at the forefront, but stand as a full-circle moment for the brand — an ode to where it started and an indication of where it is going.

Our Editors’ Picks

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Marina Cashmere & Silk Jumper from Dadelszen

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Trouble drifting off? We consult a sleep expert on the 10 steps to follow to start having the best sleep of your life

3 Oct 2023

In a bid to discover the true, wellness-enhancing benefits of a deep, restorative sleep, Tessa Patrick consulted Olivia Arezzolo, a renowned Australian sleep expert, who divulged the 10 crucial steps that will change your evening routine for the better.

It’s been a long held belief that the cure-all for many of our wellbeing woes is simply getting more sleep. But we all know that this is much easier said than done. Queenstown-based, Australian sleep expert and best-selling author Olivia Arezzolo, however, is one person who seems to have cracked the code.

While her ritual may seem rigorous, Arezzolo strongly believes that to truly improve your sleep you must be vigilant. Having committed to her regime in recent months, I discovered first hand that it actually can work wonders, not only shifting lingering fatigue, but helping to curb illness, alleviate cognitive issues and support mental health. So if you too want to improve your sleep, these are Arezzolo’s 10 essential steps to a restful and fulfilling night.

1. Block Blue Light

According to research, blue light is one of the biggest triggers for a bad night’s sleep. You can (and should) remedy this by investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses, which filter the overstimulating blue light from any screens, and offer a nice, soothing lens similar in colour to candlelight. Put these on for at least two hours before bed.

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2. Use Lavender Oils

An age old cure-all that even your grandmother swore by, lavender is scientifically proven to induce sleep. Two hours before bedtime, either rub a couple of drops on your temples or ideally, diffuse some in your bedroom.

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3. Disconnect From Tech

Whether you use a blue light blocking filter on your device or not, the evidence still insists that you turn your screens off at least an hour before bed. With the world at your fingertips, laptops, tablets, phones and even televisions are a hive for hyperactivity. If you can, remove them from the bedroom altogether.

4. Wash Off The Day

A nighttime shower is always a relaxing ritual to wash off the stresses (and dirt) of the day. Warm water moves your body into a gentle, relaxed state, and a little self-care routine like this is always soothing.

5. Take Magnesium-Based Supplements

Magnesium is the best micronutrient for inducing deep sleep, and when deficient, it’s noticeable; creating symptoms like hyperactivity and restless, twitching legs. When you hop out of the shower, take a magnesium-based supplement. Even better when paired with a calming, chamomile tea.

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6. Read A Book

Research has shown that even as little as six minutes of reading reduces stress levels by up to 68 percent. It’s the perfect way to unwind before bed, and it doesn’t need to be a challenging read. (But it does need to be a proper, analogue book — no Kindles after nine o’clock.)
See our recommendations on what to read right now here.

7. Use An Eyemask

A simple silk eyemask is one of the best investments you can make for your slumber. It supports sleep habits by blocking out any small, bright distractions, and the textural feel is surprisingly soothing. This is the last thing to do before drifting off.

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Silk Magnolia Pure Mulberry Eye Mask Pillow from The Iconic

Anya Hindmarch Silk Pillow Eye Mask from Matches

SLIP Capri Pure Silk Sleep Mask from Mecca at Commercial Bay

Anya Hindmarch Printed Silk Eye Mask from Net-A-Porter

8. Keep A Checklist

Somewhere handy, keep a checklist nearby. This isn’t forever, but it is to ensure you do every step, every night. Over time it will become more ritualistic and natural. For now, this checklist is essential.

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9. Be Consistent

Arezzolo recommends undertaking this routine for at least a week — including all elements — before you knock its efficacy. Good things take time, but with this approach, it’s a matter of days, not months.

10. Stay Accountable

Embarking on a quest for a good night’s sleep is best when done together. The easiest person to undertake this with is your partner, as they’re often either the victim or the culprit of any bad sleep habits.

oliviaarezzolo.com.au

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Transform your bathroom into a calm, contemporary haven with our edit of sleek pieces from Robertson Bathware

2 Oct 2023

A well-designed bathroom should feel like a sanctuary of calm, the space to which you can retire and find solace after a long day. From selecting a bath that marries form with function to choosing understated finishes like natural stone and timber, to opting for simple but sufficiently impactful tapware, there are many ways to ensure that your bathroom is the kind of haven of relaxation it ought to be.

When looking for hero pieces or fixtures that will give any bathroom an upgrade without requiring a full-scale change, it is to Robertson Bathware that we always turn. Offering some of the best brands and high-quality pieces in the world, right on our doorstep, Robertson is the place we trust with our most intimate spaces, its pieces promising to transform even the simplest bathroom into a bona fide sanctuary.